Must-try street foods when visiting South Korea

The land of kimchi is renowned for its unique traditional culture and picturesque landscapes, attracting millions of tourists worldwide. However, Korean cuisine is equally enticing with its vibrant and uniquely flavored dishes. Let us guide you through some of the most delicious street foods you shouldn't miss while planning your budget-friendly trip to South Korea.

Enjoy delicious street food while traveling in South Korea

• Dakgalbi

Originating from Chuncheon in Korea's famous Gangwon Province, Dakgalbi features chicken pieces marinated in spicy chili sauce, stir-fried with cabbage, potatoes, scallions, onions, perilla leaves, and rice cakes, creating a visually vibrant and colorful dish.

• Samgyetang

Known for its nourishing and cooling properties, this dish is made with young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, then simmered with Korean ginseng, garlic, jujube, ginger, herbs, and spices. The broth, though slightly bitter from the ginseng and herbs, offers a revitalizing tonic for the body that you shouldn't miss.

• Budae Jigae

Known as army stew, this dish gained fame after the Korean War during food shortages, blending Korean and Western cuisines in a unique way. It’s a hearty mix of leftover ham cooked with traditional spicy chili sauce, butter, ramyeon noodles, pasta, baked beans, rice cakes, vegetables, and sausages.

• Bibimbap

This mixed rice dish is a Korean staple, easily found at street stalls or upscale restaurants. Visitors booking flights through Mytour agency can enjoy hot bowls of rice topped with seasonal vegetables, beef or pork, dried fish, carrots, bean sprouts or enoki mushrooms, sprouts, zucchini, cucumber, spinach or kale, fried eggs, roasted sesame, sesame oil, and spicy sauce.

• Andong Jjimdak 

A famous dish from Seoul, originating from Andong Province, made with chicken, carrots, potatoes, onions, cucumbers, and vegetables marinated in soy sauce. This colorful mix of green, red, and yellow creates a visually appealing and flavorful dish, often served with noodles and rice cakes.

• Patbingsu

This iconic Korean shaved ice dessert is a must-try, featuring fresh chopped fruits topped with sweet cream, fruit syrup, milk, and red bean paste. It’s not only delicious but also visually stunning, commonly found in cafes, fast-food shops, and bubble tea stores.

• Samgyupsal

When joining a budget-friendly international tour to South Korea, you must try Samgyupsal, a dish made from thick slices of pork belly grilled on a hot plate or metal grill. It’s typically wrapped in lettuce and fresh greens, served with a special dipping sauce.

• Ddeokbokki

Korean spicy rice cakes are a famous snack made from soft rice cakes, fish cakes, and spicy chili sauce, creating a chewy and flavorful dish. This treat is easily found at street food stalls, bus terminals, or restaurants.